A Day at the Races

What to wear when you heed the need for speed.

Racing GearWhether you finish a race breaking the tape or in a mid-pack wave, racing day requires some variation on a runner’s daily routine. For some, the changes are few and simple. Others have pre- and post-race routines of arcane complication. From food to shoes to hydration systems to recovery aids, racing adds a whole new dimension to a runner’s preparation. Following are a few things that will help make your next race day a richer experience – start to finish.

2. T-shirts and baggy shorts are fine for training runs, but to go fast you should look and feel that way. The World Performance Singlet ($40, www.asicsamerica.com) and Precision V Short ($27.95, www.mizunousa.com) fit the racing fashion bill.

3. Chafing, sunburn and blisters can slow you down as surely as a long uphill. Prevent them with BodyGlide Sun Formula ($7.99, www.bodyglide.com) SportShield on your skin, or BlisterShield Foot Powder in your socks ($9.99 each, www.2toms.com).